Connecting with Families in Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchange Programming

Conducting orientations is the first opportunity to lay the groundwork for building trust and establishing a relationship with every person using supervised visitation and safe exchange services, but it should not be the only intentional opportunity to engage with each person. The practice of meaningful engagement and checking in are important and intentional opportunities to stay connected to every person using services. A promising practice in the field of supervised visitation and safe exchange work is establishing check-ins, which are intentional times to talk (check-in) with every person who uses program services.  Check-ins provide a space for every person using center services to engage with staff and have intentional time with staff that isn’t rushed or would require extra steps to set up or be requested. This resource outlines techniques and examples for staff of supervised visitation and safe exchange programs to employ when checking in with each other and the families they serve.